Smile Politely
@smilepolitely.com
Champaign-Urbana’s Culture Magazine
Austin encourages you to gain your own deeper understanding of No Below Editions’ philosophy and practice by heading to Bloomington-Normal for Phlegmphest next weekend.
Phlegmphest is an all-ages space for artistic collaboration - Music
I recently got a chance to speak with musicians Stefen Robinson and Eddie Breitweiser and visual artist Matt Erickson, three of the founding members of Bloomington-Normal’s No Below Editions collectiv...
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December 5, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Austin encourages you to gain your own deeper understanding of No Below Editions’ philosophy and practice by heading to Bloomington-Normal for Phlegmphest next weekend.
As guest curators Tyler Lotz and Albion Stafford explain, these artists have created pieces “in distinct ways, diverted from the conventional or well-traveled path and, along the way, discovered new vocabularies of the ceramic vessel.”
Eight ceramics artists refusing to play it safe at Giertz Gallery - Arts
The Giertz Gallery at Parkland College is asking you to take a detour — literally. The Ceramic Biennial: Detour features eight artists from across the United States who’ve abandoned the conventional p...
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December 5, 2025 at 3:02 PM
As guest curators Tyler Lotz and Albion Stafford explain, these artists have created pieces “in distinct ways, diverted from the conventional or well-traveled path and, along the way, discovered new vocabularies of the ceramic vessel.”
City of Champaign's final yard waste collection, originally scheduled for December 1st, will now begin on Monday, December 8th.
Champaign yard waste collection rescheduled - SPlog
The City of Champaign’s final yard waste collection, originally scheduled for December 1st, will now begin on Monday, December 8th. So, if you haven’t bagged up your leaves yet, you still have time. T...
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December 5, 2025 at 3:01 PM
City of Champaign's final yard waste collection, originally scheduled for December 1st, will now begin on Monday, December 8th.
40 North's ACE Awards recognize the people actively doing it — right now, in real time, refusing to wait for permission or perfect conditions.
ACE Awards proved C-U's arts scene runs on live current - Arts
Snow piled high along the edges of the City Center parking lot on Tuesday night, the leftovers from two heavy snow days that shut down most of Champaign-Urbana. People navigated the icy ruts, slammed ...
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December 5, 2025 at 3:00 PM
40 North's ACE Awards recognize the people actively doing it — right now, in real time, refusing to wait for permission or perfect conditions.
Look for lunch and dinner Restaurant Week specials, prix fixe menus, and off-menu dishes. When the menus drop, we’ll be sure to share them.
Restaurant Week 2026 is January 30th to February 7th - SPlog
Mark the calendar for Champaign-Urbana’s Restaurant Week 2026. The nine-day celebration of local restaurants will be from Friday, January 30th through Saturday, February 7th. I asked the person who’s ...
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December 4, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Look for lunch and dinner Restaurant Week specials, prix fixe menus, and off-menu dishes. When the menus drop, we’ll be sure to share them.
Brr, it’s cold out out there. Earlier this week, a reader wrote in asking where to find hot boozy drinks in this town, and it got us craving the same.
Thirsty Thursday: Coffee cocktail at The Ribeye - SPlog
Brr, it’s cold out out there (there must be some Toros in the atmosphere). Earlier this week, a reader named Susan wrote in asking where to find hot boozy drinks in this town, and it ...
www.smilepolitely.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Brr, it’s cold out out there. Earlier this week, a reader wrote in asking where to find hot boozy drinks in this town, and it got us craving the same.
Experience Champaign-Urbana is hosting one last New to CU Mixer of 2025 at Riggs Beer Company on December 11th.
Mix, mingle, and jingle at the New to CU Mixer - SPlog
Before the hustle and bustle of the end of the year wears us out so much that we prepare to hunker down after the new year, get out and make some friends with whom to ...
www.smilepolitely.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Experience Champaign-Urbana is hosting one last New to CU Mixer of 2025 at Riggs Beer Company on December 11th.
This volunteer-led program shovels snow to keep sidewalks passable for residents who walk or rely on public transportation to get to school or work.
Snow Removal Program helps keep sidewalks clear during the winter months - SPlog
Snow removal is a vital service during the winter months. And that’s why C-U Safe Routes to School created the Snow Angel Sidewalk Snow Removal Program. This volunteer-led program shovels snow to keep...
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December 4, 2025 at 2:59 PM
This volunteer-led program shovels snow to keep sidewalks passable for residents who walk or rely on public transportation to get to school or work.
Our final Weekender of the year offers lots of winter and holiday-themed events and shopping.
The Weekender: December 5-7 - Culture
Our final Weekender of the year offers lots of winter and holiday-themed events and shopping.
www.smilepolitely.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Our final Weekender of the year offers lots of winter and holiday-themed events and shopping.
The letter L evolved from the Semitic lamedh, meaning “ox goad” — the perfect symbol to prompt attention to the responsibilities of the land acknowledgment.
L is for land acknowledgment, part two - Culture
Edgar Heap of Birds’ words in the image below are a wise guide for what’s needed to give meaning to the University of Illinois’ Land Acknowledgment. Since it was introduced in 2018 by the Office ...
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December 3, 2025 at 9:04 PM
The letter L evolved from the Semitic lamedh, meaning “ox goad” — the perfect symbol to prompt attention to the responsibilities of the land acknowledgment.
The Lovers’ Graveyard is a venue that has just started its work; however, it’s already brimming with creative energy that makes life feel lighter and possibilities feel more present.
The Lovers’ Graveyard is an ambitious collaboration for greater good - Music
Don’t let the name of the newest house venue in town fool you. The Lovers’ Graveyard is a lively venue that music-minded residents should know about. Located where campus ends and town starts, this ve...
www.smilepolitely.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:03 PM
The Lovers’ Graveyard is a venue that has just started its work; however, it’s already brimming with creative energy that makes life feel lighter and possibilities feel more present.
What better time to put on some elastic waistband pants, pour a beverage, and cozy up with a good read than now with the snow covering the ground.
It’s reading season - SPlog
What better time to put on some elastic waistband pants, pour a beverage, and cozy up with a good read than now, when it’s snowing out there as I write this. It’s peak reading season ...
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December 3, 2025 at 9:02 PM
What better time to put on some elastic waistband pants, pour a beverage, and cozy up with a good read than now with the snow covering the ground.
It feels like it’s been 12 years and not just 12 months since our Editorial Board wrote its 2025 wishlist. Regardless, we’ve made it to the end of another year and they're looking back at all that has happened to C-U in 2025.
Reflecting on 2025 - Opinion
It feels like it’s been 12 years and not just 12 months since we wrote our 2025 wishlist. Regardless, we’ve made it to the end of another year and we’re looking back at all that ...
www.smilepolitely.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:56 PM
It feels like it’s been 12 years and not just 12 months since our Editorial Board wrote its 2025 wishlist. Regardless, we’ve made it to the end of another year and they're looking back at all that has happened to C-U in 2025.
Farren's at the Inman is undeniably different from the pub many C-U residents grew up with, yet it remains the same at its core.
Farren’s finds new life at the historic Inman Hotel - Food & Drink
Central Illinois’ dining scene can feel like a whirlwind with beloved restaurants coming and going, sometimes before we even have the chance to say goodbye. For those who can relate, it can feel like ...
www.smilepolitely.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Farren's at the Inman is undeniably different from the pub many C-U residents grew up with, yet it remains the same at its core.
JTP Noodles Lab is a new noodle concept opening in Champaign on Green Street.
JTP Noodles Lab coming soon to Champaign - SPlog
The trendy spot will offer self-serve instant noodles with automated hot-water, plus drinks in a casual dining room.
www.smilepolitely.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:49 PM
JTP Noodles Lab is a new noodle concept opening in Champaign on Green Street.
On December 11, University of Illinois Library will host a session with staff of the Illinois Newspaper Project to discuss preserving, digitizing, and accessing historical newspapers.
Learn about preserving historical newspapers - SPlog
The University of Illinois Library will host a webinar with staff of the Illinois Newspaper Project to discuss preserving, digitizing, and accessing historical newspapers. The INP just received anothe...
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December 2, 2025 at 9:52 PM
On December 11, University of Illinois Library will host a session with staff of the Illinois Newspaper Project to discuss preserving, digitizing, and accessing historical newspapers.
December invites us to step inside, look closely, and feel the quiet glow that comes from sharing something beautiful in our community.
Five things in arts: December 2025 - Arts
And just like that, the year has thinned to its sharpest point. December decided not to tiptoe in, but to blast us with some hardcore winter. The month has quickly turned cold and reflective, almost ....
www.smilepolitely.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:44 PM
December invites us to step inside, look closely, and feel the quiet glow that comes from sharing something beautiful in our community.
With an excellent draft list and unique, fun cans, the downtown bar‘s beer selection is one of the most impressive in town. Add on top of that a rotating list of seasonal craft cocktails, there will be something new to try with every visit.
Specialty beer and cocktails at Collective Pour - Food & Drink
Anyone who has spent an evening in Downtown Champaign knows that there is no shortage of options for places to drink. Whether one’s drink of choice is beer, wine, cider or craft cocktails, there’s an ...
www.smilepolitely.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:43 PM
With an excellent draft list and unique, fun cans, the downtown bar‘s beer selection is one of the most impressive in town. Add on top of that a rotating list of seasonal craft cocktails, there will be something new to try with every visit.
Cope cautions that land acknowledgments risk becoming empty formalities, and instead urges real relationships, education, and reparative action for Indigenous communities.
L is for land acknowledgment, part one - Culture
A startling bit of prose was introduced before public events at the University of Illinois after July 26, 2018, when the Chancellor’s office issued an official “Land Acknowledgment Statement.” Timed f...
www.smilepolitely.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Cope cautions that land acknowledgments risk becoming empty formalities, and instead urges real relationships, education, and reparative action for Indigenous communities.
Mix things up from the usual twinkling lights with fun science experiment extravaganza that is open to the public and fun for all ages.
Celebrate the holidays with science - SPlog
The Department of Chemistry is celebrating the holidays with a magical chemistry demonstration show. Mix things up from the usual twinkling lights with fun science experiment extravaganza that is open...
www.smilepolitely.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Mix things up from the usual twinkling lights with fun science experiment extravaganza that is open to the public and fun for all ages.
Open daily, Big Sharks Fish & Chicken is located in the old Long John Silver’s on Prospect Avenue beside Asian Supermarket.
Big Sharks Fish & Chicken now open - SPlog
A new fast food restaurant called Big Sharks opened yesterday on Prospect Avenue. The menu offers fried catfish, fried walleye, fried chicken, fried jumbo shrimp, fried pickles, burgers (single, doubl...
www.smilepolitely.com
December 2, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Open daily, Big Sharks Fish & Chicken is located in the old Long John Silver’s on Prospect Avenue beside Asian Supermarket.
This list includes both holiday-themed events and activities unrelated to the festivities, for those of you who want a break from the holiday cheer.
Get your culture here: December 2025 - Culture
There are so many events going on this time of year that it can feel overwhelming. And with such little daylight and the winter weather officially kicking off at the end of November, it’s tempting ...
www.smilepolitely.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:02 PM
This list includes both holiday-themed events and activities unrelated to the festivities, for those of you who want a break from the holiday cheer.
This month, warm up with a cozy s’mores latte in Urbana, noodles at new Chinese restaurant, spicy chicken on campus, lard-fried doughnuts, and a fish sandwich on furikake brioche.
Five things to eat or drink: December 2025 - Food & Drink
Happy December to everyone and to the snow on the ground. It’s cold right now in Champaign-Urbana, but the food scene is hot. This year alone we saw 50+ new, notable restaurants open, and even ...
www.smilepolitely.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM
This month, warm up with a cozy s’mores latte in Urbana, noodles at new Chinese restaurant, spicy chicken on campus, lard-fried doughnuts, and a fish sandwich on furikake brioche.
There are likely big changes ahead for WEFT, from board openings, to equipment evaluation, new shows, and more.
Tune into the WEFT Associates Meeting to support local radio - SPlog
WEFT is holding the next quarterly associates meeting to talk about the latest happenings at the radio station as well as some plans for 2026. All current associates are encouraged to attend, but if y...
www.smilepolitely.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:57 PM
There are likely big changes ahead for WEFT, from board openings, to equipment evaluation, new shows, and more.
A new chain bakery called Tous les Jours will be opening on Green Street on the first floor of new housing by Pacifica. The French-Asian bakery will offer baguettes, chocolate-dipped Belgian waffle, soboro bread, honey-cheese-mochi pancakes, and more.
Tous les Jours opening on Green Street - SPlog
A new bakery called Tous les Jours will be opening on Green Street on the first floor of new housing by Pacifica. The French-Asian bakery will offer baguettes, chocolate-dipped Belgian waffle, soboro ...
www.smilepolitely.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:53 PM
A new chain bakery called Tous les Jours will be opening on Green Street on the first floor of new housing by Pacifica. The French-Asian bakery will offer baguettes, chocolate-dipped Belgian waffle, soboro bread, honey-cheese-mochi pancakes, and more.